Principal, Global Event Security and Risk Management

About the Role

The Wikimedia Foundation seeks a Principal, Global Event Security and Risk Management to lead proactive identification and mitigation of physical security risks across the Foundation and global Wikimedia movement. This senior position reports to the Deputy General Counsel and serves as the central point person for physical security threat response, ensuring safe participation in free knowledge initiatives worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Wikimedia movement organizers globally to understand environmental challenges facing volunteers, develop mitigation strategies, and establish best practices for physical security in movement activities
• Monitor global geopolitical developments to identify emerging and shifting threats to Wikimedia users and communities
• Synthesize risk information from Foundation reports and internal team consultations to inform organizational response
• Coordinate with the Foundation's Enterprise Risk Management working group to identify and track risks affecting the Foundation and Wikimedia ecosystem
• Collaborate across internal departments including legal, grantmaking, communications, human rights, product security, and trust & safety teams
• Engage external partners, volunteer organizers, and security experts to develop comprehensive risk response frameworks
• Support organizational efforts to reduce community vulnerability and minimize harm when threats materialize

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in risk coordination, security strategy, and crisis management with demonstrated expertise in global contexts, particularly the Global South. Essential qualities include:

• Deep understanding of enterprise risk management best practices and physical security frameworks
• Proven ability to work across cultures and stakeholder groups with strong empathy and communication skills
• Capacity to motivate and inspire both staff and volunteer communities
• Strategic judgment for managing high-stakes, emergent risk issues
• Global awareness and geopolitical literacy

Salary & Compensation

Editorial Market Estimate: $130,000–$190,000 USD annually. This is not employer-provided compensation and reflects market analysis for this role level and function. Actual salary varies by candidate experience, location, and organizational factors.